Moto Guzzi Shutters Original Factory

We are hearing that Piaggio has ceased production at the historic Mandello Del Lario factory, which has been producing Moto Guzzi motorcycles since 1921. Although not yet widely known, Guzzi historian Ivar De Gier, who received the information from multiple sources within the factory, confirmed the closing.

Originally slated to be closed temporarily for â€œrefurbishments,â€ a shutdown was expected to begin during the August holiday, with a tantalizing inference that the plant would re-open after these refurbishments had taken place. However, we now hear the last production of Moto Guzzi motorcycles in their original factory was on June 22.

The Moto Guzzi brand name will continue with production slated to restart at one of their other facilities in Italy. Speculation is this will be done at either at the Noale Aprilia plant or the Pontedera Piaggio facility. Both of these locations have some free space now that the 50cc motor scooter and truck production have been moved to the Far East.

There are also reports that Piaggio will be manufacturing multiple brands of motorcycles in one single production line and that some of those brand name motorcycles will not be Piaggio products.

(This post originally appeared in the July 2, 2009, issue of the Hemmings eWeekly Newsletter.)